Motorcycles and bike enthusiasts took over Carlyle on June 24 and 25. With more than 580 people in attendance, the streets were full, Lions Park was busy, fun was had by all and last year's attendance record was surpassed.
The weekend started on Friday afternoon with a free lunch sponsored by Moose Mountain Mud and Equal Transport. The ticket blitz was a sell-out once again with the winner of the 2002 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy being Megan Jacobs.
At 5:30 p.m., parents and children made their way down to Lions Park to take in a variety of activities sponsored by Cornerstone Family and Youth. The activities ranged from face painting to a bouncy castle to concessions to carnival-like activities. Grins were seen throughout the park with children enjoying every minute of their Boogie Fest experience.
Saturday morning started early with the pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. sponsored by Crescent Point Energy Corporation. The morning included biker registration for the poker derby and a chance for bike enthusiasts to visit with old friends and make new ones. The line-up of parked bikes was a spectacular view for anyone interested in the hobby or the beauty of the machines on display.
The event was well-attended with approximately 125 bikers registering for the poker derby. The route took bikers to Virden, Maryfield and Kenosee and the parade of bikes down Main Street was an impressive view in itself.
Supper began at the Lions Park at 5 p.m., and was sponsored by The Knights of Columbus. Many were in attendance as the biker games to follow were expected to be a crowd-pleaser. As the biker games started, spectators lined the fence to get a glimpse of the action first hand. Engines roared as the competitors moved into the line-up.
Games included both individual and partner games with drivers and their passengers requiring not only skills, but the ability to work as a team. Passengers were expected to put golf balls down a tube and catch them on the other side, throw a water balloon over an overhead barbwire fence and catch it on its way down, and throw golf balls across the playing area into buckets on the other side. Highlights for the spectators definitely included the bursting of the water balloons which soaked the participants.
The final contest of the biker games included a burnout contest. Anticipation in the crowd grew as three bikers came forward to participate in the contest. Tires squealed and smoked as contestants revved their engines. An impressive burnout contest was seen and smelled by all in attendance, leaving little tread on the motorcycle tires for the contestant's rides home.
Following the burnout contest, the Tone Benders put on an excellent performance on the stage at Lions Park. A bonfire was part of the evening with people milling around and visiting throughout the area.
The sky was scheduled to light-up at dark, and light-up did it ever. The spectacular display of fireworks, sponsored by the Town of Carlyle, was noticeable throughout Carlyle and the show was impressive. A fantastic end to a well-attended weekend. Once again, Boogie Fest was a success.
